Chapter 17

Connor Rhode's Penthouse, Astoria Tower, Chicago Illinois 

The next day Sierra spent the day going around the penthouse gathering and packing her stuff before her flight the next morning back to Virginia. Sierra hadn't been able to get ahold of Hotch regarding her returning to work but JJ messaged her letting her know she had to meet at the office tomorrow at 2 in the afternoon. 

"You know you can leave some of your stuff here, for when you visit," Connor said watching her gather her stuff. "I figured you'd be thrilled to have your space back," Sierra replied glancing at her older brother who shook his head. "Whatever you don't wanna take back just leave here in the guest room. Nobody else uses the room other than you..." Connor said as the two went quiet. "It could be your room for when your home, so you don't need to stay in a hotel," he added. "Connor I don't kno- Just think about it. I'd love to have you here and see you more," her brother said cutting her off. 

"Are you sure, I don't wanna invade your space," Sierra asked him. "You're not invading my space, I want you here. I've kinda missed you over the last few years," Connor admitted causing her to smile and walk over and hug him. "If you're sure it's okay," Sierra replied before letting him go and leaving a few things in the guest room she wouldn't need to take back. Connor and Sierra ended up ordering pizza and watching the first Narnia movie before they ended up heading to bed for the night. 

Sierra woke up to the sound of her phone alarm going off, with a groan she turned the alarm off and pushed herself up and out of bed. Usually, she'd make a coffee before she got dressed but with her flight leaving O'hare in the next 2 hours. Sierra decided to get dressed and carried her duffle bag down the hall and set it next to the front door. 

Connor appeared down the hall fully dressed and still half asleep as he walked over to the door to put his shoes on. He offered to drive Sierra to the airport even though her flight left at 8 am and she had to be at the airport for at least 7 to go through security and customs. 

Sierra and Connor made their way to the parking garage and out of the building. The streets were starting to get busy with people starting to get up to go to work. The drive to the airport was quiet other than the sound of Fall Out Boy playing through the radio. 

'I don't care what you think. as long as it's about me. The best of can find happiness in misery...' 

O'Hare International Airport, Chicago Illinois 

Connor's porche pulled to a stop in the drop off lane of the airport and Sierra leaned across the console giving Connor a hug. "I'll see you soon, I'll let you know when I'm able to come back," Sierra said letting him go. "Stay safe, and let me know when you're coming home so I can pick you up, I love you Si," Connor replied. "I will and I love you too, see you soon," Sierra said as she took her duffle bag and climbed out of the car. 

She sent her brother a small wave before she made her way into the airport, got through security, and made her way to her gate half an hour before the flight boarded. 

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

The flight from Chicago to Washington took slightly under two hours, Sierra ended up taking a cab back to the hotel suite she rented monthly from a hotel in Quatico. When she got to the hotel she realized she left her truck at the FBI before they went on their case to Chicago. 

After dropping her stuff off at her hotel, Sierra got changed and called a cab to take her to work. She wanted to pick up her truck but also see how everyone was doing. It didn't take long for the cab to arrive and the drive to the FBI academy didn't take long either. The cab pulled to a stop in front of one of the many buildings and Sierra gave the driver cash before she stepped out of the cab and made her way toward the BAU building. Using her key card she made her way inside and into the elevator heading up to the 6th floor. 

BAU Office, FBI Academy Campus, Quantico Virginia 

The elevator doors slowly opened and Sierra stepped off making her way through the double glass doors and into the BAU office. The sound of her footsteps caused Spencer to look up from his desk along with Penelope and JJ. "No Way! Your back?" Spencer asked with a smile as he pulled her into a hug. "Yea, I sent Hotch my medical clearance a couple of days ago..." Sierra paused what she was saying when she noticed the guilty look that crossed Penelope's face and Spencer's when she mentioned Hotch. 

"A lot has happened since you left on medical," JJ said looking at Sierra. "What happened?" she asked them. "Well for starters, that..." Penelope said looking behind her. Sierra turned around and instantly froze. Shock washed over her as she looked at none other than Luke Alvez who looked just as shocked to see her. 

Sierra instantly crossed her arms and scowled at the man, "I can't work with him," she scoffed looking towards JJ, Penelope, and Spencer who looked confused and shocked. "I can't work with her," Luke added crossing his arms and looking directly at Sierra. The two of them cracked letting out a laugh before pulling each other in a hug. "You two know each other?" JJ asked as the two let go of their hug. "Yeah, Alvez here was in the Rangers with Mouse, Jay, and I," Sierra replied. "Oh speaking of, you will never guess what I have," she said looking at him as she pulled the photo she got from Jay out of her coat pocket. 

"No way, I didn't know you ended up getting this," Luke said with a smile. "What is it?" JJ asked curious as Luke handed the photo back to Sierra who handed it to JJ to look at along with Spencer and Penelope. "Were you two..." Before JJ could finish asking the question both Luke and Sierra nodded.

"Agent Rhodes, I didn't think you'd be back so soon," Emily said walking out of Hotch's office. "My flight came in early and I figured I'd stop by and see how everyone's doing. I haven't seen Morgan, Hotch, or Rossi yet," Sierra said still looking around the office for her partner. "Why don't we go talk," Emily said gesturing toward the round table room. 

Sierra and Emily made their way into the round table room where Rossi was already sitting. "Please take a seat," Emily said making Sierra nervous but she took a seat noticing JJ, Penelope, Spencer, and Luke also walked into the room and took a seat. "A lot has happened since you've gone on medical leave," Emily said looking at Sierra who was still confused. 

"You were on medical leave?" Luke asked from next to Sierra, "Yeah, Alvez hang on." Sierra said trying to figure out what was going on. "Mr. Scratch ended up resurfacing at one of Jack's baseball games and for Jack and Hotch's safety they went into witness protection until Mr. Scratch is in custody," Emily said shocking Sierra. "And Morgan, reigned so he could spend more time with his wife and son," Rossi added. "Morgan has a son?" Sierra asked shocked, "As of last month, yes," Emily said. 

Sierra was quiet, so that's why nobody was returning her calls and things felt off. "Why didn't anyone tell me?" she asked trying not to sound hurt. "Your medical leave strictly stated no stress, not to mention there was nothing you could do anyways so Hotch and I decided not to worry you with it until you came back," Emily replied. 

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Hey everyone, I hope you liked this bombshell of a chapter. Let me know what your thoughts are in the comments. I know I said I'd post this chapter tomorrow but I've been on a roll with writing and I decided to post it early. With that being said, I will be posting chapter 18 tomorrow ( Sunday, March 24th, 2024). 

Thank you for all the love and support <3 

-Muskokagirl204